Bluewater Health acquires AI for stroke analysis

SARNIA & PETROLIA – Bluewater Health is launching a new artificial intelligence tool to help quickly identify patients eligible for hyperacute stroke treatment. Bluewater Health partnered with Windsor Regional Hospital in this worthwhile patient care initiative to share both costs and infrastructure in purchasing this diagnostic tool.

Stroke patients undergo CT imaging of the brain. With the addition of new technology, appropriate patients’ scans will be analyzed through the new software tool, which uses artificial intelligence to assess the CT images. In under four minutes, the software can predict whether there has been cell death and help quantify the amount of brain tissue that can be saved.

“In the world of stroke, it’s often said that ‘time is brain,’” said Dr. Pandu Shetty (pictured), internist & stroke team lead. “When oxygen-rich blood is blocked from reaching the brain, more brain cells will die, leading to damage and disability.

“Early intervention in stroke is critical for better chances of recovery. Using the power of technology, this software allows us to quickly identify patients who could benefit from clot removal intervention and aim to have them ready for transfer to London within the best-practice window of 45 minutes of arriving to hospital.”

“This technology represents an investment in Lambton County’s District Stroke Centre and the diagnostic testing involved in the care for stroke patients,” added Dr. Youssef Almalki. “This diagnostic tool allows for faster analysis and better informs the clinical decision-making to determine the best treatment options for each stroke patient.”

The software is also beneficial in supporting patients threatened with stroke in the extended time window, since their symptoms began (those who present to hospital within six to 24 hours from stroke symptom onset).

Research is demonstrating benefit of intervention for patients in this extended time window, and Ontario recently moved forward with a 24-hour stroke treatment window for select patients.

In recognition of Stroke Month, Bluewater Health encourages people to learn about the signs and symptoms of stroke.

• FAST is an acronym to help people identify the common symptoms of a stroke: Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Time to call 911 right away.
• Time is critical. The sooner people access medical help following the signs and symptoms of stroke the better their outcome. Patients who access a designated stroke centre within four and a half hours of having the signs and symptoms of a stroke may be eligible for tPA, a clot-busting drug.

In addition, Endovascular Treatment (EVT) may be an option for patients who present to hospital within six hours of stroke symptom onset and some patients may be eligible up to 24 hours.

EVT is a treatment that removes large stroke-causing blood clots from the brain. Patients are transferred to our Regional Stroke Centre, University Hospital, in London for EVT.

* Sarnia’s Bluewater Health is designated as the District Stroke Centre for Sarnia-Lambton, as part of the Southwestern Ontario Stroke Network, which is one of 11 Stroke Networks in Ontario.

About Bluewater Health
Bluewater Health, with locations in Sarnia and Petrolia, cares for the residents of Sarnia-Lambton. With close to 2,500 staff, professional staff and volunteers, Bluewater Health provides an array of specialized acute, complex continuing care, allied health and ambulatory care services. Bluewater Health’s Mission is: We create exemplary healthcare experiences with patients and families every time. For more information about Bluewater Health, visit www.bluewaterhealth.ca or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.